Striker David Knight departs Bowers & Pitsea by mutual consent

The frontman, who scored an impressive 79 goals in 134 appearances for the club, has left the Len Salmon Stadium.

And boss Rob Small admits Knight departs having created some fond memories.

Small said: “David’s been a great servant to the football club.

“He scored a lot of goals for us and fired us to a league title.

“He is a great boy who I will miss dearly. I sincerely mean that.

“It was a mutual decision and we both felt that he could do with a fresh start somewhere.

“But he will be remembered very fondly for his time here and he has been a favourite with the supporters.

“He has created some great memories so I, personally, will be forever grateful for his efforts.

“I really enjoyed working with him and I wish David all the very best in whatever is next.”

Knight joined Bowers from Hornchurch in November 2016 and went onto form a free-scoring trio with Lewis Manor and Brad Warner, scoring 17 goals in 32 appearances.

His impressive form resulted in a brief spell with Canvey Island in 2016, but Knight quickly returned to the Len Salmon Stadium.

From a wider role, Knight claimed 15 goals and 14 assists in 42 outings.

As a result of Knight’s productive form, Bowers fell just one point short of automatic promotion before being denied promotion thanks to a play-off semi-final defeat to former club Canvey Island.

But Knight’s 43 goals in all competitions allowed Bowers to romp home to the Isthmian North title last term.

The frontman went on a run of 21 goals in the final 14 fixtures of the campaign, including four in a 9-0 rout of Barking.

Knight finished the season as the top goalscorer in steps one to four of non-league football.

The ex-Canvey man scored three goals in the opening four clashes of the Isthmian Premier League season, as well as in the FA Cup preliminary round win over Barkingside.

However, Knight’s final appearance in a Bowers shirt came in the 2-1 fourth qualifying round defeat to Chichester City earlier this month.